Who can help me with my adoption/merchandise queries?

I live overseas - can I support Born Free?

Do you accept direct debit?

Yes. You can adopt an animal or make a regular donation through direct debit. Once you set up a direct debit, it will continue until you decide to cancel it with your bank. Adoptions taken out with direct debit will be automatically renewed.

How long does my adoption last?

Your adoption will last for one year. After your initial gift pack, we will send you an update all about your adopted animal and the project in both spring and autumn. If you paid for your adoption with a one-off payment, we will contact you when your adoption is due for renewal. If you paid for your adoption by direct debit, your adoption will be automatically renewed.

How do I renew my adoption?

Your adoption will last for one year. If you paid for your adoption with a one-off payment, we will contact you when your adoption is due for renewal. If you paid for your adoption by direct debit, your adoption will be automatically renewed.

Will I be the only person who adopts an animal?

How is my adoption money spent?

Every year, Born Free rescues and protects thousands of animals around the world. Whether this is funding anti-poaching patrols, key research initiatives or providing lifetime care for rescued animals, the money raised from our adoption programme funds key work and helps to provide a better future for wildlife. Money from your adoption will be used to directly fund the care and/or protection of the adopted animal/species, as well as to fund other key Born Free initiatives and projects.

How can I report my concerns about captive wild animal suffering?

I've informed Born Free of a captive animal in need of rescue, what happens next?

Born Free regularly receives calls for help in regard to captive animals in need. Sadly, there are many more animals in need of rescue than there are sanctuary spaces worldwide - it is therefore vital we use precious sanctuary spaces not only to rescue animals in need, but also to highlight the problems facing captive wildlife (eg, private ownership, trade, substandard zoos, etc). We therefore have many considerations to make when we are informed about a captive animal in need - this FLOWCHART will give you an idea of what we must take into account when we receive information from supporters.

Can I volunteer on a field project for Born Free?

Wherever possible, we encourage the employment of people native to the region in which we are working, because we believe conservation stands a far better chance of becoming fully supported by communities if local people are direct stakeholders.

However, international volunteers are an invaluable asset to wildlife conservation and we want to encourage people with the desire and motivation to make a difference. Some of the projects we support offer volunteer opportunities.